UN Official Cites EUR 620 Million in EU Support for Syria

Claudio Cordone, Deputy Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Syria, said during a Security Council session on the humanitarian situation in Syria that the economic situation is one of the key elements for the success of the transitional phase and for stability. He added that the lifting of sanctions has opened new opportunities for investment and financial cooperation.

Announced International Funding

Cordone noted that the European Union has announced EUR 620 million in support and that the World Bank has approved USD 175 million for agricultural projects. He also welcomed international pledges announced in Rome of more than USD 75 million to support counter-terrorism efforts in Syria.

Economic Recovery Priorities

Cordone said institutional reform, transparency and equitable growth form the foundations of economic recovery. He explained that the United Nations is discussing with the Syrian government the convening of a conference on rebuilding Syria in line with Syrian priorities, and stressed the need to turn available opportunities into sustained support that delivers tangible benefits to communities.

He praised the Syrian government's initiative to prepare a national action plan against hate speech, and said the United Nations is ready to strengthen cooperation with Syrian institutions in support of transitional justice under Syrian leadership.

Returns and Field Needs

Mohamed Yahya, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, cited the following figures:

• About 1.82 million Syrian refugees have returned to their country.
• 2.04 million internally displaced people have returned to their areas of origin.
• More than 5.5 million people remain internally displaced, according to UNHCR.
• About 770,000 people live in camps.

Yahya said Syria is seeing notable progress in recovery and that the return of refugees and displaced people reflects their wish to build their future.

Schools, Water and Energy

Yahya explained that rehabilitating schools, water and energy systems, and providing job opportunities are important for the stability of returning families. He said mine clearance is a fundamental condition for building Syria's future, and that the emergency humanitarian response is 32 percent funded, calling for investment in sustainable solutions.

He added that the 'Syria without camps' initiative aims to end the need for camps by creating conditions for safe and sustainable returns.